The City's efforts to improve and develop new shared use walking and biking trails, especially along the Genesee River, include plans to convert the abandoned historic Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Bridge over the Genesee 
River into a Rails-to-Trails pedestrian bridge.
About the Project
The converted Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Bridge over the Genesee River will connect the east and west bank Genesee Riverway Trails. The Genesee Riverway Trail is an urban multi-use trail adjacent to the Genesee River, used primarily by bicyclists, pedestrians, and cross-country skiers. This project will further the effort to connect the trail to various neighborhoods and business districts by linking the University of Rochester and Strong Memorial Hospital, the City’s largest employer, on the east bank with its westside neighbors.
This project is being funded, in part, with a grant under Title 11 of the New York State Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.
T.Y.Lin International were selected through a request for proposal process to develop a design plan for the bridge that will include:
- Replacement of existing timber bridge deck ties with new structural concrete deck
- New bridge and approach railing
- ADA compliant ramp access
- Landscaping, including new trees
Check out renderings of the new features and design that were shown at February 16, 2011 public meeting.
Timeline
Public bids for the project will be open in early May, with construction beginning in June-July 2011. The tentative bridge opening is scheduled for November 2011.
Have Questions? Looking for more information?
If you have additional questions about the project, contact Ms. Holly Barrett, City Structural Engineer, at (585) 428-6384, or by e-mail. 